Maryland Aims to Outpace Ohio in Launching Mobile Sports Betting

Mobile Sports Betting Takes Center Stage in Maryland

The race to launch mobile sports betting has seen various states jockeying for position, but Maryland’s determination to be at the forefront is notably aggressive. With an ambitious plan to get mobile sportsbooks up and running by late 2022, Maryland aimed to outpace competitors like Ohio in offering bettors a digital platform for placing their wagers.

Maryland’s mobile sports betting market officially launched at 9 a.m. ET on November 23, 2022, with seven sportsbooks active on the first day and ten mobile licenses awarded by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) beforehand.

According to Maryland Lottery and Gaming (MLG) Director John Martin, the state’s confidence in launching mobile wagering within 2022 was palpable. This optimism was shared during a sports betting regulation webinar, highlighting Maryland’s proactive approach towards embracing the future of sports betting.

Ohio and Massachusetts in the Mobile Betting Landscape

Ohio’s sports betting law signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2021 set a statewide start date of January 1, 2023, for both mobile and retail sports betting to begin in Ohio.

While Maryland was making strides, Ohio was not far behind, with plans to introduce both mobile and retail sports betting on January 1, 2023. This universal start date was set in stone following the sports betting law signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2021. Ohio’s comprehensive approach aimed to cater to a wide array of bettors, ensuring accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

On the other hand, Massachusetts was navigating through its preparatory phase with meticulous care. Since legalizing sports betting in August 2022, Massachusetts has been engaged in frequent meetings to iron out the specifics. The state’s cautious progress underscored the complex regulatory landscape that governs mobile sports betting, highlighting the challenges of balancing operator interests with legislative requirements.

Massachusetts legalized sports betting by law in August 2022 and proceeded with a rulemaking and licensing process that required multiple meetings and regulatory steps before operators could launch.

Maryland’s Path to Launch

Back in Maryland, the path to launching mobile sports betting was marked by significant milestones. The state made headway with the approval of a required industry analysis, setting the stage for a rapid deployment of mobile sportsbook applications. With up to 60 mobile licenses up for grabs, Maryland was poised to become a bustling hub for mobile sports betting enthusiasts.

John Martin’s remarks about the rolling launch process shed light on the state’s strategy to maintain momentum following the initial launch. By focusing on qualifying applicants through comprehensive background checks, Maryland ensured that only reputable operators would be awarded sports betting licenses, setting a high standard for the industry.

As the deadline for mobile and competitive retail applications approached, anticipation built around which operators would make the cut. Maryland’s commitment to a late 2022 launch was clear, with officials working diligently to meet regulatory requirements and timelines.

The Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

Comparing Maryland’s ambitious timeline with Ohio’s and Massachusetts’s more measured approaches offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic decisions states make when introducing mobile sports betting. Each state’s journey reflects a unique blend of regulatory challenges, market potential, and legislative frameworks shaping the future of mobile sports betting in the USA.

As Maryland, Ohio, and Massachusetts navigate their respective paths to launch, the evolving landscape of mobile sports betting continues to captivate observers. The competition among states not only highlights the growing acceptance of sports betting but also underscores the diverse approaches to regulation and market entry.

For enthusiasts and stakeholders alike, the expansion of mobile sports betting represents a dynamic frontier in the gaming industry. Maryland’s sprint towards a 2022 launch has set a compelling precedent, encouraging other states to accelerate their efforts in embracing the digital evolution of sports betting.